Monday, March 28, 2011

Wait, the Phillies season starts this week? Well, I guess it's time to take a belated look at who will be making the team on Opening Day. Since I'm doing this projection so close to the start of the season, most of the battles are out of the way, with just two bench spots being fought over. With all of the injuries, a few slots have opened up for players that normally would have had no chance to make the team.

Here's my take on how the Phillies roster will look on Opening Day. Players who are locks are listed in bold.

Infielders (6): Ryan Howard, Luis Castillo, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Wilson Valdez, Michael MartinezCastillo has played well enough to have first crack at the starting second base job but count on the Phillies pulling the plug quickly should he falter. All indications are that the Phillies want to keep the versatile Martinez around rather than give him back to the Nationals. Should Polanco not be healthy at the start of the season, Martinez will be even more useful.

Outfielders (5): Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, Ben Francisco, Ross Gload, John MayberryMayberry seems like the logical choice for a righty bench bat with some power over someone like Delwyn Young.